The New York Knicks expect to be without point guard Jeremy Lin for at least six weeks after he was diagnosed with a chronic meniscus tear in his left knee.

The time frame effectively spells an end to Lin's fairytale season, with the Knicks regular season coming to an end on April 26. New York would have to reach the finals in order for him to make a return.

The New York Knicks will be without point guard Jeremy Lin for six weeks before of a small meniscus tear in his left knee. (AP Photo)

Doubts also remain as to whether Amare Stoudemire will return from the bulging disc injury in his lower back that has him out indefinitely. Knicks coach Mike Woodson said he was not sure when he would have either player back before it was known that Lin would be out extended time.

"I have no idea when these guys are going to return, if they're going to return," Woodson said on Friday.

Saturday marks the fourth game in a row Lin has missed because of the left knee injury. The Knicks have won eight of 10 since Woodson took over the team from Mike D'Antoni.

With Lin out, Baron Davis will handle the starting duties, but because of a sore hamstring, he will play limited minutes. Rookie Iman Shumpert and veteran Mike Bibby will also handle the point guard position.

In 35 games this season, Lin averaged 14.6 points and 6.1 assists.

The Knicks are also without backup forward Jared Jeffries, the team's most versatile defender.

Meanwhile, Cavaliers rookie sensation Kyrie Irving is out for Saturday's game with a sprained shoulder, according to The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer.